Child & Jurisdiction Project Coordinator

Reports to: Office Manager
Salary: Salary will be based on approved salary grid and commensurate with experience.
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, with flexibility pending diverse needs of the position
Start Date: April 1st, 2025

Summary: The Skowkale First Nation is dedicated to strengthening its Child and Family Services by blending traditional Indigenous laws with modern frameworks to better serve our community. This role is to coordinate the Child and Family Jurisdiction Exploration Project on behalf of Skowkale. We hope the Project Coordinator can establish a sustainable, culturally grounded, and community-driven framework through a comprehensive plan focused on engagement, assessment, administration, and support systems. The Ideal candidate will play critical role in exploring the meaning of jurisdiction, enhancing wellness, fostering resiliency, and developing culturally relevant policies to improve the well-being of children and families within the Skowkale First Nation community.

Responsibilities and Duties:
Project Management & Coordination:
•Work independently to create work plans, presentations, and project timelines, ensuring alignment with Skowkale First Nation’s objectives and priorities.
•Coordinate and connect with service providers, government agencies, and community organizations to facilitate effective program discovery.
•Follow and manage a budget, tracking project progress and adjusting resources as needed to stay on track and achieve goals.
•Explore and define the meaning of jurisdiction within the context of Skowkale First Nation’s governance and child welfare framework.
•Identify and explore key topics that influence child and family services, incorporating these insights into planning and decision-making.
•Develop and implement proactive planning to enhance wellness within the community, addressing both short-term needs and long-term outcomes.
•Foster an environment that promotes resiliency through culturally grounded practices and community-based solutions.

Community Engagement and Collaboration:
•Engage with Skowkale community members and leadership to build strong relationships and ensure that community perspectives are integrated into child and family service planning.
•Host a series of community and family engagement sessions to gather input from families, ensuring their voices influence the direction of the work.
•Provide a platform for families to share their stories and experiences, using this information to guide program development and improvement.
•Work collaboratively with community leaders to identify challenges and barriers affecting child welfare, including those related to housing, education, and culture.
•Incorporate community feedback into project planning and adapt strategies to address identified challenges and opportunities for growth.
Document Development and Evaluation:
•Develop a comprehensive needs assessment to identify specific needs within Skowkale First Nation, focusing on child welfare, family services, and jurisdictional matters.
•Revise and develop documents that align with legislative frameworks while customizing them to reflect Skowkale First Nation’s traditional values, cultural practices, and governance structures.
•Create culturally relevant policies and protocols that respect community priorities and support the well-being of children and families.
•Draft reports that show accountability and transparency in project execution, offering clear insights into progress, challenges, and successes.
•Develop a framework that addresses the root causes of challenges faced by children and families, emphasizing prevention and long-term wellness through community-based solutions.
•Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of programs, policies, and services, providing recommendations for continuous improvement.

Qualifications:
•A bachelor’s degree in social work, Law, Public Administration, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
•A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in project coordination, child welfare, or family services, with a focus on Indigenous communities.
•Demonstrated experience in engaging with Indigenous communities, including leadership, families, and service providers, to improve child and family welfare.
•Experience in developing culturally relevant policies and working within legal and governance frameworks specific to Indigenous communities.
•Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and navigate complex project dynamics.
•A valid Class 5 Driver’s License and clean driving abstract
•Undergo and successfully pass a Criminal Record Check. This ensures the safety and well-being of the children, families, and community members served by Skowkale First Nation.
Legal and Jurisdictional Knowledge:
•Strong understanding of child welfare law, family services, and jurisdictional matters specific to Indigenous communities, particularly Skowkale First Nation.
•Ability to navigate legal frameworks while ensuring alignment with Skowkale First Nation’s traditional laws and cultural practices.

Project Management:
•Highly organized with the ability to independently create, manage, and track project plans, budgets, and timelines.
•Proficiency in project management tools and budget management tools.
•Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage competing demands efficiently.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
•Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including Skowkale First Nation leadership, community members, and external partners.
•Ability to facilitate community engagement sessions, providing a platform for families to share their voices and contribute to decision-making.
•Excellent listening and empathy skills to understand the needs and concerns of families and community members.

Cultural Sensitivity:
•Deep understanding of and respect for Skowkale First Nation’s values, traditions, and governance systems.
•Ability to integrate cultural practices and traditional knowledge into child welfare planning and policy development.

Analytical & Reporting Skills:
•Strong ability to analyze complex information, identify key issues, and provide actionable recommendations.
•Proficiency in writing clear and concise reports that demonstrate transparency, accountability, and progress.

Working Conditions:
•Occasional travel required for meetings, community consultations, and site visits.
•Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate evening or weekend engagement sessions and project deadlines.

Application: This position is open until filled. We will review applications and select candidates for interviews on an ongoing basis to ensure we find the right individual for the role. We will contact selected candidates directly to schedule interviews.
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Preference may be given to candidates of Indigenous ancestry s16(1) CHRA. and have knowledge of local First Nations traditional customs and practices.

HOW TO APPLY Applicants should send a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the specific requirements of the position to careers@skowkalefn.com